D’Tigress have called on the federal government to reverse
its decision to withdraw Nigeria from international basketball competitions for
two years.
Last week, Sunday Dare, minister of sports and youth
development, announced the ban, adding that it was part of efforts by the
government to revamp the sport from the grassroots.
The development came amid the ongoing power tussle within
the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Recall that in January that two different presidents were
elected to oversee the affairs of the basketball federation.
Reacting to the FG’s resolution on basketball via a Twitter
thread on Friday, D’Tigress said they “do not agree with this ban.”
The team also said it would take “away all our future
competitions, accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria
proud!”
The African champions added that they have worked hard to be
“Afrobasket Champions” and will “passionately love to represent in this
upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup competition.”
“We, as the Women’s
national team of Nigeria, would like to speak on the government’s recently
placed two-year ban on all Nigerian Basketball International competitions,”
D’Tigress wrote.
“The D’Tigress team would like to state that we do not agree
with this ban. This ban is taking away all our future competitions,
accomplishments and goals to elevate, inspire, and make Nigeria proud!
“We would like to be given the opportunity to play for our
country that we passionately love to represent in this upcoming FIBA Women’s
World Cup competition.
“We have worked very hard to be 3x Afrobasket Champions,
Olympians, and now we are blessed with another opportunity to continue that
representation for Nigeria.
“We want Nigerian
basketball to continue to grow and succeed on every level, from the local
leagues, grassroots and even on the international stage!
“We believe that all levels of Nigerian basketball can excel
with the proper attention, togetherness, and organization. Our team is a
testament to how successful Nigerian basketball can be and how we have been an
inspiration to all Nigerian athletes across the globe.
“We wish to express our gratitude to all the coaches,
medical staff, organizers, and fans. This ban not only penalizes us but you all
as well. Your commitment and loyalty to our team will never go unnoticed.
“Our goal is to play and represent Nigeria proudly! We, as
the Nigerian Women’s National team, plea for the reversal of the International
Basketball ban for Nigeria. We hope to be heard! Thank you.”
Before the ban, D’Tigress were billed to represent Nigeria
at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Australia from September 22 to October 1,
2022.
The team had been drawn into Group B alongside Australia,
Japan, France, Canada, and Serbia.
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